Recall 10V260 affects 4 2002-2011 Western Star 4900 Sa trucks for a cracked idler arm spacer. Repair is free at any franchised Western Star dealer.
Western Star is recalling 4 2002-2011 4900 Sa trucks under recall 10V260 because the spacer connecting the aft steer axle idler arm to the frame rail can crack and break under severe steering conditions. If the idler arm separates, steering control is reduced and crash risk increases; the Western Star dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The aft steer axle idler arm on 2002-2011 Western Star 4900 Sa trucks is part of the steering linkage that helps transfer steering motion to the axle. A spacer connects that idler arm to the frame rail, keeping the arm aligned and supported while the truck is steered. That connection has to stay tight and intact under load.
On affected trucks, the spacer can develop cracks during severe steering conditions. If those cracks grow, the spacer can eventually break. When it breaks, the idler arm can separate from the frame rail, so the steering linkage loses part of its support and the driver has diminished steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on a noise, looseness, or warning light to appear before the spacer breaks.
Who's affected?
Spans 10 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2007 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2008 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2009 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2010 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2011 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2002 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2003 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2004 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2005 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| 2006 Western Star 4900 Sa | steering system |
| Units affected | 4 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Diminished steering control makes the truck harder to control and increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, keep extra space, avoid unnecessary trips, and schedule dealer service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Western Star dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2011 Western Star 4900 Sa is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Western Star dealer to confirm the free steering repair for your VIN.
- Schedule the steering-spacer repair that keeps the aft steer axle idler arm secured to the frame rail.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 10V260 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra room and avoid severe steering maneuvers.
What happens at the repair
The recall record says owner notification began on January 26, 2011, but the remedy status is not listed. Confirm parts and scheduling with a Western Star dealer before planning service. At the dealer, a Western Star technician repairs the steering linkage area tied to the spacer between the aft steer axle idler arm and the frame rail, the part that allows the idler arm to stay attached under severe steering loads. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| June 14, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 26, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V260?
Recall 10V260 covers 4 2002-2011 Western Star 4900 Sa trucks with a steering spacer that can crack and break under severe steering conditions. If the idler arm separates from the frame rail, steering control is reduced and crash risk increases. Western Star dealers repair the vehicles free of charge.
What should I do if my 2002-2011 Western Star 4900 Sa is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 10V260. If it is, contact a franchised Western Star dealer to schedule the steering repair. Reference recall number 10V260 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers repair these trucks free of charge. A franchised Western Star dealer handles the steering repair for included VINs.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced steering control. The spacer that connects the aft steer axle idler arm to the frame rail can crack and break under severe steering conditions. If the idler arm separates from the frame rail, diminished steering control increases crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V260000 |
|---|---|
| Western Star customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V260 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V260000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →